Connecticut's Olympic Hopefuls

This month all eyes are on Sochi — the Russian resort city on the Black Sea that is hosting the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. As exciting as it is to cheer on the world’s elite athletes competing in this quadrennial event, let’s be honest: Most of us will pull for those wearing the good ol’ Red, White and Blue. Even the most globally minded citizens and sports fans among us can’t fi ght the adrenaline rush and patriotic pride that kicks in whenever a stateside superstar emerges — Dorothy Hamill, the 1980 men’s ice hockey team or Bode Miller — or another medal is added to the US of A’s tally.

How exciting would it be to root for someone you know? In the upcoming XXII Games that’s a very real possibility, as Connecticut could send as many as 10 competitors there. Someone could have gone to your school, lived in your town or practiced where you or your kids did. In a state as cozy as Connecticut, there’s bound to be a connection somewhere.

And these are competitors you’d want to connect with. When we spoke with them, some still were scrapping for a spot on their respective teams. Even with that intense pressure, they were thoughtful, sincere and dedicated — just like you'd want your neighbors to be.

Many of the athletes won’t know if they’ll be Sochi bound until shortly before the Games begin. But just being in contention for such an exceptional event is a feat. This will be the first Olympics for most of the state’s hopefuls, most of whom still call Connecticut home — when they aren’t training, which is practically all the time.

We’ll enjoy the games regardless of who mounts the highest podiums, but here’s hoping it’s some of our homegrown stars.

Jen Hudak

Sport: Freestyle skiing, specializing in halfpipe Hometown: Hamden

At 27, Jen Hudak not only is an elder statesman of her sport, she’s a pioneer, too. She’s been competing for 13 years and is one of the people most responsible for her event debuting at this year’s games. The five-time X Games medalist (including two golds) suffered a late season knee injury, but this Hamden Dragon, who graduated from Hamden High School in 2004, never gives up. Her father, Paul Hudak, master of Saybrook College at Yale, got her started in the sport when he built a rope tow in their backyard.

Any shout-outs to people back home?

Kayte and Sarah Tankoos and their parents, Dave and Liz. They are very special to me. They were our next door neighbors in Hamden, and we’ve been through a lot of adventures together. Sarah’s been my best friend through all the ups and downs and has always been a support to me. Also, all my Hamden Dragons.

Favorite local restaurant?

Townhouse Diner. I have a lot of memories of hanging out with friends there.

We were there a lot of late nights trying to pretend we were older than we were and a lot of good conversations went down at that place.

What’s a must-do when you come home?

I love to go hiking in East Rock or up to Sleeping Giant. I also look forward to food in general when I come home, from pizza to ice cream. I am a big Wentworth’s Ice Cream fan.

What are you known for in your sport?

I was one of the first girls doing 1080s in the halfpipe. That’s still a progressive trick to throw in competition, but in general my amplitude is what set me apart and kept me in the game for as long as I’ve been in it.

Zach Donohue

Sport: Ice dancing Hometown: Madison

Zach Donohue and his partner, Madison Hubbell, are one of four ice dancing pairs vying for three spots. Neither has Olympic experience but they were bronze medalists at the 2012 U.S. Nationals. He went to West Woods Christian Academy in Hamden until his training schedule made home schooling a better option.

Any shout-outs to people back home?

I know this sounds corny, but honestly my mom. She has mercilessly killed herself so that I could skate. We are not a rich family so she’s had to work at the night shift at Yale University on top of two jobs during the day to provide for my skating. Without her I couldn’t do what I’m doing.

Favorite local restaurant?

We live near the two best pizza places in the world. Pepe’s and Sally’s. I love them both because they pile on as much meat for me as they possibly can whenever I go there.

What’s a must-do when you come home?

My mom and I love to go to Hammonasset. I still love going there, even though when I was younger I was stung by a jellyfish 15 times. I have both great and scarring memories.

What are you known for?

Different and interesting lifts.

Julie Chu

Sport: Women’s hockey Hometown: Ridgefield

Veteran forward and perpetually positive Julie Chu, 31, hopes to add a gold to the bronze and two silver medals she earned in her previous three Olympics. She skated for Choate before attending Harvard University, where she was the captain and all-time leading scorer and assist leader in NCAA history.

Any shout-outs to people back home?

John Ferguson and Lisa Fedick from Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport. They not only helped me find a real love for the game, they created an atmosphere that was inclusive and welcoming at a time when girls didn’t really play hockey. That will always be my home rink.

Favorite local restaurant?

Country Cow in Fairfield. It’s a tiny deli that we’ve gone to since we were kids, and it has the best bacon, egg and cheese around.

What’s a must-do when you come home?

My sister lives in Woodbury, and we love to go as a family to the wineries around there or go to a local farm and pick apples or blueberries.

What are you known for?

A lot of my friends and teammates say every time I step on the ice I give it my all. I try to do all the little things well.

Tucker West

Sport: Luge Hometown: Ridgefield

The youngest male ever to qualify for a U.S. Olympic luge squad, Tucker West, 18, got his start in his backyard where he and his dad built their own track. He’s been sliding since he was 9 and made the U.S. junior team at age 11. He’s an honor student at National Sports Academy High in Lake Placid. N.Y., and is one of three members of the men’s single’s team.

Any shout-outs to people back home?

Mostly my family. My mom, dad, my two sisters helped me go through tough times but have also been there for the good times.

Favorite local restaurant?

When I’m not training I have to admit I go for my guilty pleasures, and my favorite is McDonald’s.

What’s a must-do when you come home?

I really just like to spend a lot of time at home with my family.

What are you known for in the luge world?

My start. I am a three-time start champion.

Eliza Outtrim

Sport: Freestyle skiing Hometown: Hamden

Busting through the bumps makes Eliza Outtrim really happy. As the youngest of four children, she had to do it pretty quickly to keep up with her older sibs on the slopes of Mount Snow. The 28-year-old was ranked fourth last year and attended Hamden Hall until she went the ski academy route.

Any shout-outs to people back home?

Shout outs mostly go to my family and my parents and the people I grew up skiing with at Mount Snow. But my parents are by far the biggest influence as far as that goes.

Favorite local restaurant?

I grew up going to Consiglio’s on Wooster Street. I haven’t been there in years, but I loved it. I also love going home and having Italian food and pizza from either Modern or Amato’s.

What’s a must-do when you come home?

I love going to the top of East Rock Park with my mom to check out the foliage. My mom used to wake me up really early when I was a kid to see the sunrise, and I didn’t appreciate it then, but I have warm memories of that and love that now. The one thing I miss most about the East Coast is the fall foliage.

Kiley McKinnon

Sport: Skiing freestyle aerialistHometown: Madison

Kiley McKinnon is young and fast. She’s all of 17 and only took up the sport three years ago, yet she was named Eastern Freestyle’s MVP and Rookie of the Year her first year of competition, had four top-10 finishes her second, and is ranked second in the U.S. going into the final Olympic trials. She attended Hand High School, where she played soccer and lacrosse through sophomore year and ultimately graduated from the U.S. Ski Team Academy. Her parents still live in Madison.

Any shout-outs to people back home?

My parents are definitely my biggest supporters, and without them I would not be where am today. They have given me so much and I am extremely grateful. The rest of my family and close friends have also really helped me along the way.

Favorite local restaurant: That would have to be The Chelsea in Fairfield. The food is awesome!

What’s a must-do when you come home?

Sadly, I do not get home very often. However, when I do I love to just relax at home, hang out with friends and spend time with my family. I also love to go to The Surf Club.

What are you known for?

In freestyle aerials, no one really has a trick or move that they are specifically known for. However, some people do say that I twist or spin fast and that is always a good thing for my sport!